Must win game for Lions

The Lions haven't really roared in the Champions League T20 so far and thus find themselves in a do or die situation when they clash with Otago in a crucial Group A encounter in Jaipur on Sunday. The Lions have yet to register a win in the League and not only have to win in the Pink City but also hope that the results of other games in the Group go in their favour. Otago, meanwhile, are placed second and would be playing their third match - they have one win while their match against Perth was washed out.

Lions

The top order hasn't fired for the Lions. The openers, Quinton de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen, have got starts in both the matches but failed to convert them into substantial scores. The middle order, barring the exception of skipper, Alviro Petersen, has failed to deliver. Petersen was their top-scorer, both against Mumbai and Rajasthan. The likes of Neil McKenzie and Jean Symes would have to bat around Petersen and lay the platform for the likes of Dwaine Pretorius to provide the fireworks coming down the order. The latter has already shown a glimpse of his hitting capabilities and the Lions would hope that he continues in the same vein.

The bowling hasn't had too much to write home about either for the Lions. Lonwabo Tsotsobe and Sohail Tanvir have bowled well in patches and not been consistent. Hardus Viljoen has gone for a plenty while Aaron Phangiso was taken to the cleaners against Rajasthan. The bowlers have also been guilty of leaking aplenty at the death.

Otago

Otago has been on a roll having won all their three qualifying matches before putting one across Perth in Jaipur. Opener Neil Broom and skipper, Brendon McCullum have been in tremendous form and aggregate 158 runs apiece from four innings in the tournament. The former registered an unbeaten 56-ball 117 against Perth in Jaipur - the only ton in the League thus far. Ryan ten Doeschate has also notched up two fifties at an incredible strike rate of 211.11.

Ian Butler has led the pace attack with aplomb and is the leading wicket-taker in the League with 8 wickets. He has received good support from James McMillan and Neil Wagner who have managed to keep a tight leash on the opposition batsmen. All-rounder, Nathan McCullum lends balance to the team. He was instrumental in keeping Hyderabad in check providing the initial double breakthrough in Mohali and is more than capable of a few lusty blows in the lower-middle order.

Quotes:

We need to win the remaining two games now. The youngsters have a very good opportunity. We have a lot to learn: Lions' skipper, Alviro Petersen.

Broom was unbelievable. His innings was a treat. It was such clean hitting. It is one of the most amazing innings that I have seen: Otago skipper, Brendon McCullum on Neil Broom's magnificent 117.